Get Smart

by Christopher. Mel Brooks & Buck Henry Sergel

Stage version of Mel Brooks' classic TV show."Would you believe that seven police boats are closing in on us right now?" asks Maxwell Smart of the head of KAOS who now holds him captive. When the master criminal finds this a little hard to accept, the straight-faced Smart asks, "Would you believe six?" With that question, this bright comedy-satire put an expression into the language. Smart is off on a bizarre new case in which he must stop the sinister organization known as KAOS from their most shameful plot. Their plan this time is to prove their power by blowing up the Statue of Liberty! This is too much, and Smart springs—perhaps we should say stumbles—into action. Magnificently assisted by beautiful Agent 99, Smart proceeds from one gigantic blunder to another—each, however, somehow turning into a master stroke. In our opinion, this is the ultimate spoof of all secret agent thrillers.

Genres: Plays, Humor

Paperback

Published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stage adaptation of the old TV show, this spoof relies on pretty clean humor, making it a family-friendly show that parodies the spy genre through the bumbling antics of Maxwell Smart and the other agents of CONTROL.

This is a show that I'm considering directing at the High School, and rather fond of. The only problematic element, so to speak, involves the 3 "Chinese waitresses" who seem written in a fashion that hits on old stereotyping of the time period (and also the spy genre, honestly).

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

10m, 17w. Too silly for a full production; too much tech for a readers theater, although it could be done. Lots of ethnic cliches -- Nordic blonde princess, 3 Chinese girls all named Wong and a gorgeous Russian professor. Requires dark stage for some Act II action.

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a stage adaptation based on the series created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, and was the show I was supposed to be in. For those not familiar with the television series, the story lines revolve around secret agent Maxwell Smart, who tends to be more lucky than smart. Smart and Agent 99 work for Control, which always has to attempt to thwart the evil of KAOS. Those familiar with the series will see a lot of the classic lines and moments in this stage adaptation, and the script does an excellent job capturing the spirit of this hilarious series.

[Mj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This stage play is just as nonsensical as the beloved television show. It has everything you want from an episode of Get Smart, and then some.

The plot involves the kid napping of a renowned scientist, and Maxwell and 99's attempts to save him. It's silly and goofy and I love it.

[Chalise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is fun... I laughed out loud several times. I am excited to see it on stage.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My high school did this play and I was Agent 99! I loved it!